Spread the word
The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Benue state, Prof. Terhemba Shija, on Wednesday vowed to ensure the prosecution and imprisonment of anyone found guilty of embezzling public funds under his administration if elected governor in 2027.
Shija stated this during an interactive session with journalists in Makurdi, where he outlined his plans to promote accountability, strengthen local government administration and accelerate development of the state.
Shija who was Commissioner for Information and also served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, pledged to respect the autonomy of the state’s 23 local government areas and ensure the full release of their statutory allocations to enable them to execute development projects at the grassroots.
On the persistent displacement of residents by insecurity, the NDC candidate promised to review the management of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and create conditions for displaced persons to return safely to their communities and rebuild their lives.
He described the continued existence of the IDPs camps in the state as wasteful, alleging that some government appointees benefited personally from their continued operation.
Shija called for a new development agenda for Benue, citing the leadership legacies of the late Senator J.S. Tarka, and former civilian governor Aper Aku, whom he said pursued clear development visions for the state.
He lamented that successive administrations had failed to sustain some initiatives conceived by earlier leaders, recalling that the Aper Aku administration had made efforts to establish a university of science and technology, including sending prospective personnel abroad for training among other life changing projects executed for the state.
The governorship candidate said he would revisit abandoned development plans and harness Benue’s mineral resources to generate revenue, create employment and stimulate economic growth, citing neighbouring Nasarawa State as an example of the potential benefits of mining.
Describing his proposed administration as an opportunity to complete unfinished development projects, Shija said he was prepared to pursue his agenda within a single four-year term.
He also expressed confidence in his ability to defeat the incumbent governor, alleging that former Benue State governors and current Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, influenced the emergence of Governor Hyacinth Alia in the 2023 election.
Shija said his administration would prioritise transparency, responsible management of public resources and strict action against financial misconduct, insisting that government funds must be used for the benefit of the people of Benue State and those misappropriated it must face the legal consequences.
Spread the word